Charger Arts & Entertainment
Swimmin’ with the Phishes..Erin McMillan, Charger Staff 1. Everything is for more money. 2. To be popular, you have to write about what is popular and 3. Be as mediocre as possible. Phish is a band that manages to escape all three rules and earn
the title of talented musicians. Their music is full of raw energy
and their guitars are enough to inspire anyone. Phish has been rockin'
since 1983 when frontman Trey Anastasio and fellow guitarist Jeff
Holdsworth assembled at the University of Vermont. The pair quickly recruited Jon Fishman on drums and Mike Gordon
for bass. In ‘86 Anastasio and Fishman left UVM for Goddard
College where they added on keyboardist Page McConnell and continued
as a five-piece band until Holdsworth decided to leave the band.
Since then they've made a name for themselves with relentless touring
which can be seen in their extensive collection of live CDs and
recordings starting with 1988's Junta. A quick listen to any of their songs and you will recognize them
as an essential jam band, because that's exactly what they are.
They possess a much higher quality of music than the average act.
A list of upcoming events for the band include a Dec. 10 release
of their new studio album, Round Room, which will feature twelve
new songs. They will be appearing on Saturday Night Live on Dec. 14 and performance
on The David Letterman Showon Dec.19. Anastasio appears on a new double DVD, Live at Bonnaroo, and they
will tour in February. Phish fans might also be interested in expanding their musical
horizons with other jam bands such as Widespread Panic, the String
Cheese Incident, and Nashville’s own, Llama. They may also be interested in getting involved with the Mockingbird
Foundation, a nonprofit organization ofPhish fans dedicated to raising
funds for music education of children. If you are looking for a band worthy of everyone’s attention,
then be sure to check them out. |